Celtic supporters defy club AGAIN by displaying Palestinian flags during their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid to leave Scottish giants at risk of a UEFA fine – just three days after fans did stance at Hearts

• The Green Brigades were barred from entering Celtic Park early on Wednesday 
• A similar display against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership was condemned 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ 

Celtic are set to be hit with another UEFA disciplinary charge after fans ignored a club appeal and held aloft Palestinian flags before Wednesday’s match with Atletico Madrid.

The Parkhead outfit had issued a statement imploring supporters to ‘support our football club’ at the Champions League clash.

It followed the displaying of pro-Palestinian banners by the Green Brigade fans’ section at a Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on October 7 in the wake of Hamas’ terror attack on Israel.

A considerable number of fans chose to hold up the flags last night – after the Green Brigade had said they would distribute flags outside the stadium – and this will almost certainly lead to the Scottish champions being fined by European’s governing body for the third time over this particular matter.

In 2014, UEFA fined the club £16,000 after fans waved Palestinian flags during a match against Iceland’s KR Reykjavik.

Celtic supporters defied a ban from their club and brought Palestine flags to their Champions League tie against Atletico

As well as a choreographed display, fans raised individual flags against the wishes of their club

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Two years later, the Green Brigade chose to display the flags once again during their team’s Champions League qualifier against Israeli side Hapoel Be’er-Sheva – a move which landed Celtic a £8,600 fine.

In both cases, UEFA cited article 16.2.e of their regulations which allows them to punish ‘the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature’.

Now Celtic are set to land in the dock again, increasing the growing tension between the club’s hierarchy and the ultras group.

Celtic denied the Green Brigade tickets for last weekend’s away game at Hearts and also prevented them entering the stadium ahead of Wednesday’s game.

This was in direct response to a number of incidents including fire doors being stormed ahead of the Group E game with Lazio and threatening behaviour towards club employees.

On Wednesday, a club statement released before the Atletico match read: ‘We have witnessed death, violence and destruction in the Holy Land in recent weeks, with thousands of people – men, women and children – killed, injured and displaced.

‘We are witnessing a tragedy of horrendous scale. As it continues, everyone at Celtic prays for all who have been affected.

‘We also hope and pray for peace and for humanitarian support to reach those who are in need and in fear.

The club will risk a fine from UEFA for the gesture as a rift between the club and the Green Brigades deepens

‘Many of our colleagues, supporters, friends and families have been affected by these events.

‘Against this backdrop of conflict and pain, sport can promote peace and demonstrate humanity and empathy for all who continue to suffer.

‘For the club’s UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid this evening, Celtic and Atletico Madrid players and coaching staff will wear black armbands, as a show of respect and support for all those affected by the conflict.

‘The club is also making a contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region.

‘The club recognises that our supporters hold personal views to which everyone is entitled. As a club open to all, we all belong at Celtic Park.

‘Celtic Park is where we come to support our football club. Recognising this, respecting the gravity of the tragedy unfolding and its impact on communities in Scotland and across the world, and in line with other clubs, leagues and associations, we ask that banners, flags and symbols relating to the conflict and those countries involved in it are not displayed at Celtic Park at this time.

Palestinian flags were also raised during Celtic’s away meeting with Hearts in the Scottish Premiership last weekend

‘As we approach this crucial fixture, as ever, we sincerely thank our fans for their positive support of the players and the team.

‘We thank you very much for your continued support of Celtic Football Club.’

That statement came after the Green Brigade issued one of their own in which they invited fans to fly the Palestinian flag.

‘For those unable to obtain a flag, the Green Brigade will distribute thousands of flags outside the stadium,’ the group said.

‘While it would be easier to distribute flags inside, we are prohibited from bringing the flags into the stadium. We respect the right of all fans who wish not to participate in such an action, however equally we ask that the same respect and freedom is afforded to all fans who do.’

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